Etiquette

When should I arrive? If this is your first time at the performance venue, arrive early to not only navigate parking, people watch and visit the bar, but to take advantage of any pre-performance activities, like lectures, panel discussions, etc. Check the Indianapolis Opera’s calendar or call the office at 317-283-3470 to confirm any scheduled activities. What should I wear? There is typically a wide array of dress at the opera. Most are somewhere between business casual and their finest Sunday dress. Sometimes you’ll see patrons in jeans next to a couple dressed to the nines. On opening nights, people tend to dress on the fancier side of things. Do I need to prepare before coming to see an opera? When you attend an opera that performed in a foreign language, you will find it helpful to read the synopsis beforehand. Note: Operas performed in a foreign language will usually have supertitles. Supertitles are translations projected on a screen above the stage. When do I clap? The audience will clap when the conductor takes his or her position in the orchestra pit. The performance is about to begin! Occasionally, audience members will shout at the conductor either before or after the performance. You may hear “bravo!” or a “maestro!” which is usually a sign of appreciation. When the audience hears a particularly great aria or a rousing chorus, shouts and applause will fill the auditorium. Sometimes when the curtain rises revealing a beautiful scene on stage, the audience will applaud. More on *shouts* following an exceptional performance: You will say “Bravo” (Brah-voh) for a single male performer. You will say “Brava” (Brah-vah) for a single female performer. You will say “Bravi” (Brah-vee) to a group of all male performers or a mix of male and female performers. You will say “Brave” (Brah-vay) to a group of all female performers. The Overture. The overture is the instrumental music that occurs before the action on the stage begins. Once the conductor takes his or her position in the orchestra pit, the performance has begun. Can I eat and drink during the performance? Indianapolis Opera’s performance venues allow beverages and snacks purchased on site to be consumed in the theatre. Bars located in the lobby accept cash only. What happens if I arrive late? House staff will seat you and your guests at an appropriate interval. Be prepared to wait a few minutes before seating. This delay is to maintain safety in a dark theatre and minimize distraction. What do I do during the performance? Sit back and enjoy the music. Please turn off phones and other electronic devices before the performance begins and leave any camera or camcorders at home. Also, it is inappropriate to whisper, talk or hum during the performance. Some operas can last up to 3 hours. Call in advance to check the performance length – especially if you have post-performance plans. Can I bring the kids? For the most part, operas are better suited to older children because the stories often contain adult themes. Also, the length of the performance and supertitles can be challenging. When bringing children to the opera, be sure to explain the story in advance and review proper audience behavior. Occasionally, Indianapolis Opera will present productions that are perfect for the whole family, like the holiday classic Amahl and the Night Visitors and our free community performances. What are opera glasses and do I need them?Opera glasses are small binoculars patrons use to take a closer look at the action – purely a personal preference. Speaking of personal preferences – sometimes operas can elicit extreme emotion. Throwing in a couple of tissues might be a welcomed companion. If the seasonal changes tickle your throat, also bring a few cough drops.